UN International Albinism Awareness Day: TAFAfrica Calls for Greater Protection, Inclusion of Persons with Albinism
Oru Leonard
ABUJA, June 13, 2026 – The Albino Foundation Africa (TAFAfrica) has called for stronger protection, equal opportunities and greater inclusion for persons with albinism as the world marks the 2026 United Nations International Albinism Awareness Day.
In a statement issued on Friday, TAFAfrica urged governments, institutions, communities and individuals to move beyond awareness campaigns and take concrete actions to address the challenges faced by persons with albinism.
The organisation stressed that albinism is not a disease and that persons with albinism deserve dignity, protection, equal opportunities and full participation in society.
According to TAFAfrica, priority should be given to protecting persons with albinism from skin cancer, ensuring equal access to education and employment, eliminating discrimination and violence, and promoting respect for their human rights and dignity.
The organisation adopted the theme, “Protect Our Skin. Preserve Our Lives. Albinism, Dignity and Human Rights,” as a call to action for stakeholders to safeguard the wellbeing of persons with albinism.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TAFAfrica, Ambassador Jake Epelle, described the annual observance as deeply personal, noting that the struggle of persons with albinism goes beyond visibility.
“As a person with albinism and a lifelong advocate for disability inclusion and human rights, International Albinism Awareness Day is deeply personal to me,” Epelle said.
“Our struggle is not simply about visibility—it is about dignity, safety, equal opportunity and the right to live free from discrimination and harmful stereotypes.”
He urged governments and institutions to expand access to sunscreen and healthcare services, challenge prejudice through education and create inclusive societies where everyone can thrive regardless of physical appearance.
Epelle also reaffirmed the disability rights movement’s long-standing principle of inclusive participation, declaring: “Nothing about us without us.”
International Albinism Awareness Day is observed annually on June 13 to promote the rights, inclusion, safety and wellbeing of persons with albinism around the world. TAFAfrica said the occasion serves as a reminder of the need to build societies where no one is left behind because of their appearance or disability.
The organisation called on all stakeholders to work together to advance the dignity, rights and welfare of persons with albinism and ensure they enjoy equal opportunities in all aspects of life.
